Pfizer granted EU marketing authorisation for Sutent

Pfizer has announced that Sutent (sunitinib malate) has been granted marketing authorisation from the European Commission for the treatment of advanced or metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

Sutent is an orally-administered multiple receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor that restricts the growth of tumours and starves them of blood to inhibit cell division. It is the first drug of this type approved for treatment of advanced kidney cancer in the EU.

This approval has been granted following the publication of data from a phase III clinical trial, where treatments receiving the compound experienced enhanced progression-free survival in first line treatment.

Professor Sylvie Negrier, deputy director of the Centre Leon Berard, said: “The study shows the benefits that sutent can provide to patients.

“Doubling median progression-free survival compared to the current standard treatment is a promising result.”

He added that he was pleased to have the treatment option for Sutent to treat metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

Earlier this week, Pfizer announced that it would broadcast a webcast of the company’s meeting with investment analysts on January 22nd at 13:00 Eastern Standard Time to discuss its strategic direction.

The meeting will be hosted by Jeffrey B Kindler, chairman and chief executive officer of Pfizer.